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Oct 20 2012
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half-marathon, iron horse

Iron Horse Half Marathon – Race Recap

First, I’d like to give a shoutout to my ladies for posting these pictures to our Facebook page for me to lift.

And a HUGE THANK YOU to Moran Photography for some amazing pictures and to Saul Good for making them free!

I’ve been kinda putting off the recap for the Iron Horse Half Marathon because I really don’t know how to talk about the race. It has been almost a week and I still tear up flipping through the pictures. It was an amazing day. It was the proudest I’ve ever felt to be a part of the running community.

I had mixed emotions going into this race. I started having problems with my foot earlier that week, so I decided that it was in my best long-term interest to sit this one out. I’ve trained for so long with so many friends. There were lots of our ladies who were running their first half marathons. Brenna had come all the way from Kansas. I wanted to run. But I couldn’t.

When our alarm went off at 5:30, my initial thought was of the volunteers. Our water station and all the other volunteers were already at the race site. I hoped they weren’t cold or swept away by wind. Seems like they had a pretty good time. You can read Lydia’s volunteer experience here.

(thanks Jitana for the picture of our LRL water station!)

The first surprise of the day was our meeting spot. Debra had arranged for us to use the Midway Women’s Club Clubhouse as a congregating spot. Temperature controlled. Indoor plumbing. Coffee. It was just the best. We took our group picture and then headed down to the start line.

pic by Toa

The weather could not have been better. Slightly cool. A little windy. Absolute perfect running weather.

I forgot what a beacon the Big Hand is. I gave lots of hugs around the start line. The start of the race seemed to happen pretty quickly. Toa, Steve, and I found a good cheering spot a little ahead of the start line and the runners were off. I got a few high fives here and then we headed off to a cheering spot.

pic by Toa – or her camera anyway

We hadn’t been cheering all that long when I realized that this cheering business is hard work. My ears were ringing from Toa’s awesome cow bell, my throat hurt from screaming, my thighs were definitely feeling the almost-constant jumping, and my hands were sore from the Big Hand. (I have to invest in a comfort handle for that thing.) It was a great morning. I got a zillion high fives. Some soft, some middle-of-the-ground smacks, and some football-type hits. I got to the point that I was taking time to really plant myself when there was an especially aggressive look to a runner. It was just awesome.

pic by Toa

pic from Jen U

pic by Jen U

When we thought it was getting close to time for some of our people to reach the finish line, we headed back in that direction. The finish line was moved a street over and ended on a flat straight-stretch. Lined by trees on both sides. We found a spot a little ahead of the finish and continued to yell. I have never been prouder. Nathan had a new PR and he came in bearing news of everyone he had seen on his way back in. Amber and Dan weren’t far behind, neither were Kelly and Brooke. Jamie looked solid. Katie was with Laurie. Brenna was close to them. Ann looked solid. Katie and LaTanya had split up. He told us about “our” water station. I knew everyone was okay. And that calmed my worrying heart.

pic by Toa

Nathan joined our little cheering group and we cheered everyone in. People we knew and people we didn’t. Eric came up with us and cheered like nothing I’ve ever heard. PRs were blown out of the water.

I’m not sure where this picture came from. Just being honest.

photo from Katie D

And everyone finished with a smile. Except for Brooke. I mean, seriously, she had us all in tears (even Nathan and Dan, I think). And I’m not even sure exactly why we were crying. But she made the ugly cry face and we all just followed. It was a great moment.

We cheered our first-timers extra loud. Took pictures making the Team Shark pose. I jumped and yelled and hugged and celebrated and gave high fives like mad. I watched friends go back out on the course and run other friends in. Pictures. Tears. Hugs. Repeat. (Oh, and we crammed a banana in Jaime’s face when she started looking a little paler than usual. That was scary.)

photo by Ann B – or at least with her phone.

But then we noticed that the crowd was definitely getting smaller. When Casey started coming down the homestretch, someone yelled “HUMAN TUNNEL” and that’s what we did for the rest of the runners. Cue more crying. We cheered in everyone – runners, course marshals, and the sweeper with the blinking red light in her hair.

It didn’t matter that there wasn’t any food left. It didn’t matter that the food tables had been completely put away. It mattered to us that everyone – EVERYONE – that came across that finish line knew they had accomplished something amazing.

Because they had accomplished something amazing. Thirteen point one miles. Hilly miles. Tired miles. Amazing miles.

nate’s medal

Congratulations, friends. If you were there that day in any capacity – runner, volunteer, cheerer, photographer – I only hope your experience was as moving as mine.

I am blessed to be a runner. Blessed. Even if – maybe even especially when – I’m on the sidelines.

Thanks, friends, for making my heart grow three sizes that day. You are my favorites.

Sep 27 2012
2 Comments
iron horse, volunteering

Iron Horse is coming up- Volunteer!

Hello friends!

The Iron Horse Half-Marathon is coming up in just a little over 2 weeks! I know those of us that are running are really ramping up, but I wanted to remind you guys that aren’t running that you can be involved too!

The IHHM holds a very special place in my heart. We had our first LexRunLadies group run the day before the IHHM last year. I ran the first 5 miles of last year’s race with Kelly, who I had just met the day before. It is a beautiful course and a fun race. I’d love to have a huge LRL group picture!

We had a LexRunLadies water station at RunTheBluegrass and I think it would be awesome to have enough volunteers to do the same at the IHHM. Nothing will light your running fire like being a volunteer or a cheerleader! You can read about Erin’s volunteering experience last year here.

And the IHHM needs you! Based on the list that I received from the Volunteer Coordinator, they need about 150 volunteers to make the race run smoothly. Can you help?

Here’s what to do:

1. Leave a comment here (or on the Facebook post that will correspond to it) indicating that you want to volunteer with LRL. Please note if you want to help with a water station or in another fashion. (I already have Lydia, Judy, Jitana, Laura, and Lori on my list, so you don’t have to tell me that you want to help, but you still need to do #2!)

2. Email Louise Hensley (Louise1956@insightbb.com) and let her know that you want to volunteer. Again, indicate that you either want to volunteer at the LRL water station or in another area.

3. Be on the lookout for correspondence from me and/or Louise!

So, what are you doing October 14th? Come on out!

Sep 04 2012
6 Comments
iron horse

Gearing up – Iron Horse Half Marathon

We’re getting closer to the Iron Horse Half Marathon!

This race holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. It was a day after the first LRL group run EVER and it is the first race that had a LexRunLadies presence. It is the first race where I started to feel like a part of the local running community. You can read race reports from me, Kelly, and Erin. We also run the course frequently so it just sorta feels like home out there.

After the group we had at Run the Bluegrass, I’m really excited to see what kind of group we’ll have at the Iron Horse. There are a few different ways you can be a part of the day:

  • Run! Although it is a little late to start training now… If you’re on the fence about registering, but know you should because you’ve been training for it (I know who you are!), just go ahead and register already! I’m so excited about the group that will be running. And if you just register already we’ll find you some friends to run the race with. For those of you who haven’t been out there yet, keep an eye on the schedule.We’ll be back out there training a time or two before the race.
  • Volunteer! Just like at Run the Bluegrass, we’ll have a LexRunLadies water station. Our girl Lydia is gonna be our volunteer contact. We need 10-12 people, but the more the merrier. I can’t tell you how important aid stations are on a course. Runners like water. And also the people that give it to us.
  • Cheer! The Iron Horse course isn’t a really easy one. Cheerers are highly appreciated. I still remember stopping to hug a lady cheering at the first Iron Horse. If you want to be there but aren’t able to volunteer, come out and cheer for your Ladies and Dudes. Besides, I’ll need someone to carry the Big Hand.

The best part? I’m in the final stages of designing a LexRunLadies shirt for the race! It will say Iron Horse Half Marathon on the front and will have our logo on the back. (I’d share if it were complete, but it isn’t.) These shirts are available for anyone, but it would be great if we could get lots of us -runners, volunteers, and cheerleaders – in the same shirt. I’d love for us to be able to recognize each other out there!

The shirts are grey with purple text and graphics. They are tech and women’s sizes. I do not have a size chart (and I’ve looked for one extensively), but I typically wear a medium in women’s tech, and my sample medium fits great. A medium is all I have, though.

Click here for the order form. They are $25. And they will be absolutely adorable. Trust me. Orders and payment must be received by September 12th.

If you are interested in volunteering at the water station, email me at LexRunLadies@gmail.com and we’ll get your info to the volunteer coordinator.

And first request gets the Big Hand!

Feb 15 2012
5 Comments
half-marathon, iron horse, maps

Running Route – Iron Horse Half Marathon

I love the course for the Iron Horse Half Marathon. And I’m excited that we get to run it!

We’ll meet at Darlin’ Jean’s and will run parts of the Iron Horse Half Marathon course. This course is hilly and challenging, but is so beautiful. (You can find my race report here.)

Here’s the map of the course from the race website.

Here is a map of the course from MapMyRun.

It is basically an out and back times 2. From town, you can head out Stephens in either direction. Then come back and go the other way. Any mileage is easy to navigate on this course.

I really think that this course is a balance of rolling hills and beauty. There is minimal traffic. Midway College is in the middle for facilities if necessary. It may be a little bit of a drive, but I think it is worth every mile.

I hope to see you there!

Happy running,

krissie

Oct 26 2011
3 Comments
half-marathon, iron horse, photos, race report

how (I think) I got a PR

Krissie also ran the Iron Horse Half Marathon this past weekend, and blew right past her goals. Here’s how she thinks she did it.

I killed the Iron Horse Half. I had three different goals and I blew all three of them out of the water. I ended up beating my personal record by 17 minutes (and my course record by over 30 minutes from a year ago). And that wasn’t even something I had planned to do.

I’ve tried to figure out what I did right this time, so that I could hopefully replicate it and also give you all some advice. Here’s what I’ve come up with.

I made a training plan. And I stuck with it.

I used a lot of different training plans I found on the internet and tweaked it so that it fit my schedule and just made sense. (Specifically, the closest plan I worked from was the Intermediate Half from Cool Running, but I took suggestions from Hal Hidgon and some blog research.) The most important thing for me was to finish the long run for the week no matter what. If I had to miss a run during the week, I could accept that. But I wouldn’t miss a long run. Even if that meant I did it late on Sunday night. I also wanted to have a training run that was longer than my goal distance. Finishing a 15-miler strong 2 weekends before really prevented mind-games I usually start playing around Mile 10.

I had lasagna the night before.

What can I say? Homemade lasagna (when I’m at home the night before) is my only superstition. And I don’t think Nathan minds. This time we had pumpkin lasagna. You know, to be seasonally appropriate.

I didn’t try anything new.

I wore familiar clothes. Familiar socks. I didn’t run with any music, but I do that sometimes. I ate a familiar breakfast. I had my coffee. We parked in a familiar spot. I did everything I could to make it seem as comfortable and familiar as possible.

I started out with a friend. Who pushed me, but not too hard.

Me, Jeri, and Kelly

I spent the first few miles (what, Kelly, almost 5?) with Kelly. And she runs much faster than me. So the first miles went really fast. And our chatter kept me distracted. I only broke off from her when I felt that keeping up with her was really wearing me out, when I went from keeping up with her to having to try to keep up with her. I knew I had gone out too fast, but I had also given myself a nice cushion when I crossed the halfway point over 10 minutes ahead of my anticipated halfway time.

I had fuel and water.

This was the first race where I have eaten anything. And, friends, it makes a difference. I promise. Over the course of the race, I ate my entire packet of Orange ClifShotBloks. I had tried them out on training runs, so I knew they wouldn’t upset my stomach or anything.

I walked through water stations. I took water when I was thirsty. I chatted with volunteers. I took the time to listen to and meet my physical needs.

I let myself pull energy from the volunteers and cheerers.

Me and (Water Station) Erin after the race

I knew several people at water stations. I reminded myself that they had been there longer than me. That they were colder than me. That they wouldn’t take home a medal like I would. I looked for Stacy cheering in her pink jacket. I believed it when random people on the side of the road told me I looked strong. I let myself feel like I was a part of something bigger than my internal race experience.

I walked when necessary, but not any longer than necessary.

I can get stuck in my head sometimes. I can freak myself out and make myself believe that I need to walk more often or longer than I really do. For this race, I just shut that voice off. I only allowed myself to walk uphill. I picked out a point where I would pick up running again before I stopped running. And that point had to be before the crest of the hill. Often, I actually started running again before I got to that point because…

I screwed up my Garmin.

I’m not sure how I did it. I think I pushed “stop” when I meant to push “lap.” The point is that I didn’t know my exact time or distance. I knew I would be close to 2:30 and I didn’t want to miss it by just a little bit. I pushed myself hard because I wasn’t sure of how easy I could run and get away with it. I didn’t want to be this close.

I gave it everything I had.

thanks Stacy for the “crazy excited” pic

I didn’t just run. I raced. I left everything – heart and soul – out on that course. That isn’t a familiar feeling for me. In the past, I’ve considered myself a runner, but I’ve just recently started to embrace racer.

Will I race every race I run? Probably not. I missed the social aspect of the course. I missed taking more pictures along the course. I don’t expect every race to be a PR, but I think I’m starting to understand the equation for me to earn a PR.

***********

If you want to read a few more Iron Horse Half Marathon stories, visit our fellow LRL Jeri and friends DJ and Bob (a tearjerker. You’ve been warned.).

Oct 25 2011
5 Comments
half-marathon, iron horse, photos, race report

first half-marathon at the Iron Horse

Huge congrats to Kelly for finishing her first half marathon! Thanks for reliving it for us! (And I think it is safe to take “wannabe” out from in front of “runner” in your twitter profile.)

In October of 2010 I watched as my husband’s parents crossed the finish line of the Ironhorse Half Marathon.  I won’t give up their exact ages, but let’s just say they’re in their sixties. As I was cheering them and the other runners on, I realized what a slug I felt like, and I wondered if I could do it myself.  I’d never really been active in my 28 years on this earth, and I knew it would take a lot of work, but I promised myself I’d try.

Flash-forward a year, and there I was, lining up at the start of the 2011 Ironhorse Half Marathon.  The frosty grass was sparkling in the sunlight just breaking over the buildings in downtown Midway, KY. The air was cold and buzzing with excitement.  We were all mingling and moving around, trying to stay warm, when, after what seemed like an eternity, the crowd began to move forward.  I had not heard the start commands, but I knew it was time.

I spent the first mile or so trying to find my pace and not get dragged along by the other runners, all of whom seemed to be passing me.  After about the first mile though, I caught up with a group of ladies I knew, Stephanie and Krissie.  I shouted at them from behind, “There are my girls”!

At this point in the race, everyone was still all smiles. I had finally had found my pace and Krissie ran along with me.  I didn’t know how fast we were running.  I usually run with my phone and use an app that tells me how fast I’m going about every half mile, but I had decided not to use it for the race. Krissie was prepared though. Her wrist top Garmin told her that we were running about a 10 minute 40 second mile, which was as fast as lightning as far as we were concerned. 

Krissie and I ran and talked and walked through one or two water stations until an endless hill at around mile 4.  Krissie needed a walk break up the hill, and I knew that if I stopped running, I wouldn’t be able to start again, so I just pushed on through it.  We parted ways there, but I knew I’d see her at the finish line.

The next thing I knew I was passing Midway College on the way back into town.  I knew that my husband, Steve, would be waiting for me a little before the halfway point.  I pulled off my earwarmer, gloves and arm-warmers, stuffed them all into a ball and tossed it at him on my way past.  He asked if I needed a Gatorade, I told him I was fine and kept on going.  As I came past the clock just after mile 6 it read 1:05:something.  I realized at that point that I’d beat my Bluegrass 10,000 time.  I was running REALLY fast.  Fast for me. 

As fatigue began to set in, and I had to concentrate a little harder to put one foot in front of the other the rest of the race was a bit of a blur.  I walked through a few water stations and before I knew it I was at mile 10, and it was hard.  Then I was at mile 12, and it was harder, but it was too late to give up now.  As I was running back through town some of the runners who had already finished were walking and standing along the course cheering the rest of us on.  The crowd of spectators, runners and volunteers got thicker and louder as we got closer to the finish.  Then we were at the last downhill, then the last turn, and, of course, the finish was on a slight uphill, but I powered through. 

I had no idea what my time would be.  I had no idea how fast I had run the course.  When I began, I hoped to finish on about 2:30, so when I looked up at the clock at the finish and It read 2:17, I felt like I could fly that last 50 yards.  Then I heard, “That’s Kelly” on my right.  I looked over to see Erin and Nathan there cheering me on!  I looked to my left to see my husband there too!  I sprinted to the finish, determined to leave everything I had on the course. 

And then it was over.  I did it.  All of this preparation and anticipation, and I did it.  I ran a half Marathon! 

I spent the next half hour or so cheering on the rest of the runners.  I saw Krissie blow away her Half Marathon PR.  I saw my mother-in-law beat her time from last year’s race by over 4 minutes, and I watched Stephanie PR her time by at least 14 minutes.  I got so caught up in cheering on the other runners I completely forgot about my finisher’s medal, until someone asked about it.  I did finally go get it though.

So here I am.  Almost 24 hours to the minute later, writing a recap of my race.  I’m still alive.  I am positive, strong, determined, successful, and let’s face it, I’m one hell of a woman! 

What I have enjoyed most about my experience has been the community.  Our local running community is so supportive and encouraging.  The only person who ever told me that I couldn’t reach my goal was myself, and I proved me wrong.

Oct 24 2011
5 Comments
half-marathon, iron horse, photos, race report, volunteering

I’m a Race Volunteer

As a runner of the Iron Horse Half, it warmed my heart to see so many volunteers out. And knowing some of them made it even more special. Erin took the time to write up a little about her experience. I hope we continue to make a presence as volunteers!


My running journey officially began in January 2011.  Before that, I had tried C25k a few times, but never stuck with it once the weather changed.  I didn’t consider myself a runner and my heart wasn’t in it. Then my husband decided he would train for the Flying Pig Half Marathon and on a whim, I signed up, too.  It’s a walker friendly course so I figured if all else fails, I’ll walk or downgrade to 10K if I need to.  Having a goal this time helped me to stick with the training and come May 1, 2011 I completed my first half marathon.

I was hooked.

The next week, I set my sights on fall races, eventually registering for the Women’s Half Marathon with a girlfriend and the Marshall Half Marathon with my husband and friends.  Several people I know were running the Iron Horse Half Marathon and suggested I join in the fun.  But to my beginner legs, I didn’t want to risk doing 3 half marathons so close together (2 of them 2 weeks apart!), so I promised I’d cheer instead.

Then I had a great idea—I’ll VOLUNTEER!

I contacted the Iron Horse and a few weeks before the race, received a list of duties needed covered and chose among them.

My first job was packet pick-up the Thursday before the race at John’s Run Walk Shop.  I arrived and was greeted by the other workers, given a quick run down of the process, and then was off to work.  The runners were appreciative of a simple “good luck!” and I reassured everyone the weather forecast had no rain. T-Shirts were limited meaning people weren’t allowed to exchange sizes and somehow I became the go-to person to tell everyone no.  My husband reassures me that doesn’t make me bitchy, just authoratative.  Right.

Race day morning started dark, chilly, and early at 5:45 for check-in.  I then followed the lead vehicle to water station #1 and parked on a little road between horse pastures.  There were 4 other adults and a few kids at our station.  We set up quickly in the chilly darkness and then retreated back to our cars for warmth until the race started.  It was at this point that the day turned downhill momentarily.  Another volunteer showed up to use a porta-potty at our station and when backing out to leave, hit squarely into my passenger side door.  It was dark outside and she was apologetic.  We exchanged info and she went on her way (I think to the next station).  I was bummed and this was the exact moment I stopped snapping pictures.

Around 8:10 we caught our first glimpse of runners and did our best to hand off cups to everyone and shout some encouraging words.  It’s hard for a small group to make a lot of noise, but we tried.  The pack was still pretty close together and we did plenty of scrambling to have cups ready.  After everyone made their way through, we moved our water to the other side of the road so we could hand out the rest as the runners passed by again.  I was so thankful to see all of my friends twice so early in the race.

Once we finished and cleaned up, I made my way over to the finish area about 1 ½ hrs into the race.  I managed to see all of my friends finish the race and achieve amazing race times.

As a beginner, I have found the running community to be wonderful.  They have been so welcoming and I’m appreciative of all the things I’ve learned in such a short amount of time from them.  I’ve been invited to running groups, learned where good running routes are, and gotten great advice on clothing, shoes, and nutrition.   The running feedback on twitter is phenomenal from my #RunKy friends.  Today, I only hope I was able to give back just a fraction of what they have given me.  It was an honor to be a part of so many people’s first half marathons and PRs.

So I ask you: what race will you volunteer for?

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